CAYO

Every young girl deserves to arrive at school ready to learn safe, confident, and supported.

Through our , we implement a structured, year-round approach to support girls’ education: providing essential materials at the beginning, monitoring and encouraging progress mid-term, and recognizing achievements at the end of the school cycle.

No girl should be left behind.

🕊️ 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗶𝗻 𝗷𝗶𝗷𝗶𝗴𝗮

We proudly marked the successful completion of the 45-day CAYO Peace Ambassadors Fellowship with a closing ceremony on March 15, 2026 in Jijiga.

The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Sharmake (PhD), Vice President of Jigjiga University, along with our partners from U-Report Ethiopia. Together, we awarded certificates to young leaders dedicated to peacebuilding, dialogue, and community resilience.

A heartfelt thank you to UReport Ethiopia for their sponsorship and support.

Congratulations to the newly certified Peace Ambassadors! Your journey to advance peace and social cohesion has just begun.

🔗Learnmore about the journey: https://1CAPcmJcpa/


UN Youth Affairs Life & Peace Institute International Center for Peace, Human Rights and Development-IPHRD Africa Conciliation Resources The Clingendael Institute

On February 27-28, 2026. CAYO proudly participated in the Training of Trainers (ToT) on the updated Policy and Proclamation for national humanitarian NGOs, organized by Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) and co-chaired by the Ethiopian Humanitarian National Forum (EHNF).

The updated policy strengthens decentralized disaster risk management, early warning systems, and coordinated response efforts nationwide.

Representing CSOs in Somali Region, CAYO together with CAAP and OWS will collaborate with the Somali Region DRM Bureau to co-facilitate trainings, provide technical support, and strengthen local CSOs.

Together, we are contributing to resilient communities and a stronger national disaster response system.

The launch of the World Youth Report is a powerful reminder that youth mental health does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by education systems that can empower or exclude, work that can offer dignity or deepen stress, and communities that can nurture or neglect.

Across Ethiopia and Africa, we see daily how inequality, poverty, and rapid change affect young people’s well-being. Supporting youth mental health means building inclusive systems, real opportunities, and safe spaces where young people can learn, work, and fully participate in society.

Investing in youth mental health is not optional, it is essential for sustainable development and a just future.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

🎖️Meet the Winners!

We are proud to announce the winners of the CAYO Awards 2025 (Third Edition), honoring outstanding young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and meaningful social impact within the Somali Regional State.

Mr. Nasradin Abdi Abdilahi has been awarded “The Best Young Volunteer of the Year, SRS.”

This marks the third edition of the CAYO Awards and the third time Mr. Nasradin has won this prestigious honor a remarkable achievement that reflects his consistent dedication and impact.

From a young age, Mr. Nasradin has been deeply committed to charity and community service. He has led initiatives to support vulnerable families, assisted elderly individuals, helped those facing medical challenges, and contributed to small construction and reconstruction projects for people in need.

His compassion, hands-on dedication, and leadership have made him an inspiring role model for young volunteers across the region. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to uplift communities and demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism and service.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Husen Kasim, Head of the Somali Region President’s Office, for graciously recognizing the winners on stage.

Congratulations, Mr. Nasradin, on this exceptional and well-deserved recognition!

Madaxtooyada DDS

🎖️Meet the Winners!

We are proud to announce the winners of the CAYO Awards 2025 (Third Edition), honoring outstanding young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and meaningful social impact within the Somali Regional State.

Mss. Samiira Omer Sulub has been awarded “The Best Emerging Young Leader of the Year, SRS.”

Samiira is the Founder and Managing Director of the Somali Youth Growth Mind Organization, where she works tirelessly to empower young people through leadership development, education, and community engagement. For the past seven years, she has been actively involved in community service, supporting vulnerable groups, mentoring youth, and promoting positive social change across the Somali Region.

Her vision, dedication, and passion for youth empowerment have made her a powerful voice for the next generation of leaders. Through her work, she continues to inspire young people to believe in their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Husen Kasim, Head of the Somali Region President’s Office, for graciously recognizing the winners on stage.

Congratulations, Samiira, on this well-deserved recognition as an emerging young leader!

Madaxtooyada DDS

—Official Awards Ceremony

Farxad gaar ah bey iitahay in kalkii 3xaad oo xidhiidh-ah la ii aqoonsado abaalmarinta Ee da’yarkii ugu fiicnaa arrimaha Samafalka.

2160 cisho Ayaan subax walba U soo kalahayay si Aan dadkeena u gaadh siiyo arsaaQ dii ilahay ugu Tala Galay Adoomihiisa Dareen Aan halkan ku cabiro karo maaha Waxa Aan Dareemayo AMA Aan jeclaan lahaa inaan ka hadlo Waxaan kuso koobaya Alle Swt dhamaantenba Abaalkena Jano haka dhigo.

Abaalmarintan ayaa ah mid-sanadle ah oo ay bixiso hay’ada , oo ah hay’ad kashaqeysa horumarinta bulshada. Waxa sigaara ugu mahadcelinyaa maareeyaha hay’ada Abdiwasa Shabelle, Oo runtii qayb weyn ka ah sidii dhalinyaradu horumarka bulshada qayb uga noqon lahaayeen.

In 2025, CAYO marked a year of action, growth and global engagement. Through strategic partnerships, global advocacy, grassroots action and capacity-building initiatives.


#2025

🚨Good news! The nomination deadline for the has been extended until January 05, 2026.

📢 Call for Nominations:

We are pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the CAYO Award 2025, recognizing outstanding young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and meaningful social impact within the Somali Regional State. This year marks the third edition of the CAYO Award.

Award Categories:
1. The Best Emerging Young Leader of the Year 2025, Somali Regional State
2. The Best Young Volunteer of the Year 2025, Somali Regional State

Eligible nominees should have a proven record of leadership, volunteerism, and positive community contribution.

🔗 Submit your nomination now: https://forms.gle/oSzuUkL1SfUUUmwG9
🗓 Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2025
📧 Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] or learn more: https://drive..

On 1–2 December, CAYO_Ethiopia participated in a two-day reflection and learning workshop convened by the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) Ethiopia Programme. The workshop brought together peacebuilding civil society organizations (CSOs) and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Peace (MoP) and the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO).

The workshop facilitated structured discussions on the CSO ecosystem in Ethiopia, peacebuilding funding, collaborative resource mobilization, and the role of CSO networks such as the NEPA. It also strengthened partnerships and collaboration among CSOs and government actors, contributing to more coordinated and effective peacebuilding initiatives.